Explore 'The Science of Sports' at Buffalo Museum of Science

by jmaloni

Thu, Sep 27th 2012 02:40 pm

The Buffalo Museum of Science has
partnered with the Buffalo Bills, Sabres, Bisons, Bandits and New Era Cap to
create an interactive exhibit that investigates the science behind Buffalo's
favorite sports.

"The Science of Sports" opens Sept. 29 and
runs through Jan. 6, 2013.

Aside from being competitive, sports are a
complex equation of physics, math and biology. From the physical impact of
collisions to the technology behind how hockey ice is created, science plays an
integral role in every highlight reel and play-by-play.

This family-friendly exhibit focuses on a
number of sports, including:

•Football: Get all the excitement and
experience of the game of football with Football: The Exhibit, a travelling
exhibition from the Museum of Discovery. A variety of interactive zones address
different aspects of the game, from the physics of tackling to the balance
needed for cheerleading. Learn the scientific secrets to throwing the perfect
pass, compare your grip to that of NFL players, test your reaction time to
sound or light, and measure your speed against professional running backs.

•Hockey: Measure your shooting accuracy,
speed and strength in the state-of-the-art RapidShot and RapidHands Hockey
Simulation Training Systems used by professional hockey players from around the
world (courtesy of the Buffalo Sabres). Test your reaction time to see if
you've got the skills to make saves like Ryan Miller, and learn why geometry
plays a major role in the Race for the Cup. If you find yourself in the penalty
box, use your sports science knowledge to get back in the game.

•Baseball: Pitchers have a lot of
scientific tricks up their sleeves to strike out batters. Examine the physics
and techniques of throwing a curveball and other trick pitches that can take
years of practice to master.

•Sports Health and Conditioning: Learn
about sports injuries as well as the evolution of equipment technology
throughout the years. UB Orthopedics provides important information on heart
trauma and the prevention and effects of concussions.

BMS will also offer interactive pieces on
basketball and golf, as well as Buffalo sports memorabilia displays from the
Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Bisons, Stallions and the 2011 Women's Professional
Soccer champions, the WNY Flash.

The exhibit is free for BMS members and
included with general museum admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors 62 and up; $7
children 2-17 and students & military with ID; free for children under 2.

Museum and exhibit hours are Monday
through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with extended hours until 9 p.m. on the final
Friday of the month.